Friday, May 28, 2010

Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice Report

In testimony before the commission, current District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll and her predecessor, David W. Lupas, who is now a county judge presiding over juvenile matters, "incredibly conceded that they had never set foot in a juvenile court throughout their entire careers," the report said. Lupas and Musto Carroll "demonstrated no initiative, interest, or concern with what was occurring in juvenile court."

Long-time county Public Defender Basil Russin, who resigned earlier this year in a pay dispute with the county commissioners, failed to properly supervise the assistant public defenders who appeared before Ciavarella, the report said.

It took over a year and four months plus thousands of dollars for this panel to reach the same conclusion SOP did back in January, 2009.

The report did note that Russin and Musto Carroll initiated reforms in their offices once the scandal came to light and that Lupas, as a juvenile court judge, has made sure juveniles have representation and full hearings. Lupas has reported that detentions are down 70 percent since he took over the court. Nothing like letting the horse out of the barn then fixing the gate.

In a credit to Senator Lisa Baker's efforts on this juvenile mess she was quoted on the following statements.

State Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, said in a press release issued Thursday that she will introduce bills to begin debate on the recommendations that require legislation.

"This report is a clear call to action," Baker said. "None of this can be treated casually, in the sense of 'it might be nice to do something someday if we have time or find money or the spirit still moves us.

About Me

McGruff the crime dog is a collaborated effort of artists, producers, writers, etc. Likewise this blog is a joint effort of concerned persons who are interested in politics and ending the efforts of politicians who derive private gain from their office; Politicians who thumbe their those at their constituency because they feel the power of incumbency allows them to be arrogant to the voters; Politicians who outright lie to the voters.
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